Khanh Pham

Khanh Pham is a former member of the Oregon House of Representatives, having represented the 46th district. Born in 1978, she has a background in activism and community organizing, particularly in the areas of environmental justice and climate change. Following her tenure in the House, she transitioned to the Oregon State Senate, where she continues to serve. Pham's legislative work has focused on progressive policies aimed at addressing climate issues, community safety, and local journalism.

Early life and career

Khanh Pham was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to parents who were refugees from Saigon, Vietnam. At the age of 11, her family relocated to Irvine, California, where she spent her formative years. Pham pursued higher education at Lewis & Clark College, where she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Sociology/Anthropology and Political Economy in 2001. She furthered her academic career by earning a Master's degree in Urban Studies from Portland State University, equipping her with a strong foundation in social issues and urban planning.

Pham's professional journey began in the non-profit sector, where she worked from 2004 to 2011 for various organizations, including the Global Fund for Women, Hesperian Health Guides, and Refugee Transitions. During this time, she contributed to initiatives focused on women's rights, health education, and support for refugees. Additionally, she was involved with the "Making Contact" radio program, which aimed to amplify underrepresented voices and issues.

From 2011 to 2014, Pham continued her academic pursuits as a PhD student researcher at Portland State University, specializing in climate adaptation and equity planning. Her research during this period laid the groundwork for her later work in community organizing and advocacy. From 2015 to 2020, she served as a community organizer with a focus on environmental and climate justice at the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon and OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon. During this time, she played a pivotal role in launching the Oregon Just Transition Alliance, which seeks to address the impacts of climate change on marginalized communities.

In 2016, Pham co-founded and led the campaign for the Portland Clean Energy Fund initiative, which successfully passed in 2018. This initiative aims to generate funding for community-led projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing benefits to low-income and marginalized communities. Her work in these areas has established her as a prominent advocate for environmental justice in Oregon.

Legislative service

Khanh Pham entered the political arena when incumbent Democrat Alissa Keny-Guyer announced her decision not to seek re-election for the Oregon House of Representatives in the 2020 election. Pham declared her candidacy to succeed Keny-Guyer and won the Democratic primary, defeating former County Commissioner Jeff Cogen. In the general election held in November 2020, she did not face a Republican challenger, which facilitated her path to office.

Pham officially assumed her role in the Oregon House on January 11, 2021. During her first legislative session, she was involved in several significant initiatives. Notably, she played a key role in the passage of HB 2021, known as the Clean Energy for All bill, which aimed to transition Oregon's electricity grid to 100% renewable energy by 2040. This bipartisan effort underscored her commitment to sustainable energy policies.

In addition to her work on renewable energy, Pham was instrumental in securing a $185 million joint investment package from state and local governments to enhance road traffic safety on 82nd Avenue. This initiative also included the transfer of ownership of 82nd Avenue from the state of Oregon to the city of Portland, reflecting her focus on improving local infrastructure.

In response to the humanitarian crisis following the 2021 Taliban offensive, Pham was appointed to lead a task force alongside Representative Kayse Jama. This task force was responsible for coordinating the resettlement of approximately 1,200 Afghan refugees in Oregon, showcasing her dedication to supporting vulnerable populations.

Pham was re-elected in the 2022 Oregon House of Representatives election, further solidifying her position as a legislator. In 2023, she advocated for the "Protect Local Journalism Act," which aimed to provide emergency grants to local news outlets, highlighting her commitment to preserving local media and promoting informed communities.

In September 2023, Pham announced her candidacy for the Oregon Senate, seeking to represent the 23rd district, a seat being vacated by the retiring Michael Dembrow. This move marks a significant step in her political career as she transitions from the House to the Senate.

Policy focus and district

Throughout her legislative career, Khanh Pham has been recognized for her progressive policy focus, particularly in the areas of environmental justice, community safety, and support for local journalism. Her background in community organizing and activism informs her approach to legislation, as she seeks to address the needs of marginalized communities and promote sustainable practices.

Representing Oregon's 46th House district, which encompasses parts of Southeast Portland, Pham has prioritized initiatives that directly impact her constituents. Her work on the Clean Energy for All bill aligns with the growing demand for renewable energy solutions and reflects her commitment to combating climate change. Additionally, her efforts to improve road safety on 82nd Avenue demonstrate her responsiveness to local infrastructure needs.

Pham's leadership in coordinating the resettlement of Afghan refugees illustrates her dedication to humanitarian efforts and her belief in the importance of supporting individuals in crisis. This focus on community welfare is a recurring theme in her legislative work.

As she transitions to the Oregon Senate, Pham's policy priorities are expected to continue reflecting her progressive values and her commitment to addressing the challenges faced by her constituents. Her advocacy for local journalism through the "Protect Local Journalism Act" underscores her recognition of the critical role that informed communities play in a healthy democracy.

In summary, Khanh Pham's journey from community organizer to state legislator highlights her dedication to social justice, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. Her legislative service in the Oregon House of Representatives and her subsequent campaign for the Oregon Senate position her as a significant figure in Oregon's political landscape.